In 2005 the Belle Isle Aquarium closed, 101 years after it opened in 1904. At the time of it's closure, it was the oldest operating aquarium in the world.
Like much of Detroit, it fell on hard times, another community asset forced to shutter it's doors. So when I heard the aquarium was going to open for a rare, once a year viewing, I had to take advantage!
The aquarium was designed by Albert Kahn. I love the sea green, under-the-ocean-feeling glass tile.
While it was cool to see inside of the aquarium, it's evident there is a long way to go. Only a handful of the 50+ tanks had an exhibit.
Fun fact: the basement of the aquarium was used as a speakeasy during prohibition.
What would a Saturday morning visit downtown be without a little Eastern Market?
